County Government of Laikipia

As the County Government of Laikipia is implementing Water-For-Production Initiative, it is also engaging citizens in generating alternative incomes through fish farming.

The County Government has been constructing and rehabilitating dams at Ward Level and through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries have supplied fingerings for various dams.

The project involves the provision of fishpond liners, provision of fish fingerlings, rehabilitation of Rumuruti fish farm, and provision of Aquaponics fish farming in secondary schools.

Already, over 20 dams in the county have benefited from the fish project that the Department is implementing through restocking.

The stocking of dams with fingering is expected to assist young people in the areas to engage in income-generating activities by managing the dams and fishing activities to ensure controlled breeding for sustainability.

During the just-ended Financial Year 2020/21, the County and National Governments restocked 10 dams; Kinguka (Marmanet), Kariunga (Igwamiti), Kenyatta (Salama), Olmtiok (Olmoran), Limunga dam (Githiga), Lobere (Githiga), Marura (Olmoran), Muruko Dam (Salama) and Njorua Dam (Githiga).

The County Government has committed to fisheries development by facilitating sustainable management and development of fishery resources and products for accelerated socio-economic development.

The Department has organized dam management committees consisting of the youth to oversee water usage and rearing of fish. They will also ensure controlled pollution of the dams to protect the fish from the release of harmful pollutants into the dams.

Successful implementation of the fishing project will benefit over 3,000 residents either directly or indirectly by selling or buying fish. Peterson Njue, Head of County Fisheries said.

Many young people will benefit from the project as it will offer a chance for gainful employment while increasing fish production in Laikipia. It will also supplement the agenda of the County Government of engaging more Laikipians in portion activities that will make the county food secure.

The County Government has been desilting dams to create more space for fish rearing.

Governor Ndiritu Muriithi urges locals to ensure controlled fishing that will allow for proper breeding.

(Published by ICT | Source: Laikipia Weekly Newsletter Issue 0057)